Cover Image: A Chip and a Chair

A Chip and a Chair

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Member Reviews

Damn! This book! So good! So much action. I will not give one thing away, except to say that Dominic is the sweetest man, and loves Levi so much, it is in everything he does. Meanwhile Levi has to learn to deal with all that has happened and how it is based around him personally. I love this series! And so much of this book is relevant to the current climate and times it's really frightening in many ways.

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The final instalment of the Seven of Spades series remain as full of action and love as its companions. It was an absolute thrill. High on action and mystery, it was a perfect final chapter for this amazing series.

While Levi and Dominic are trying to pull the pieces together, after the new clues on the Seven of Spades' identity, the neo-nazi group that make themselves called Utopia, is growing stronger. Their master plan promises to bring destruction to Las Vegas. If they want to keep the city away from the devastation that is coming its way, they have to rely on new and unexpected alliances.

It was amazing. Just as good as the previous book. It is a bit higher on action, which was a bit of a problem at times, because the extent of the action scenes went too long at times. It didn't bother me that much, but I think it left little time to dedicate to romance, which is something I loved in the series. It was extremely fast-paced, very exciting and impossible to put it down.

The relationship between Levin and Dominic is so beautiful. They have so much ups and downs that it would be fantastic to see them just sharing some happy moments. The emotions between them are so intense that it's so easy to believe in their love.

The plot is really good. It felt too realistic at times, it was a little scary to think that some of the events might not be so far to actually happen these days. I loved that there are a lot of suspects which keep me guessing all the time. It was very entertaining trying to guess who the Seven of Spades was. I loved every page of the book and of the series. Definitely recommend it for someone who loves a well done mystery full of action and romance.

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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/M Thriller
Triggers: Murder, Kidnapping

Loved the ending of this story. It's fast paced and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

We have a bomb threat, a bomb explosion, and targeting of high level officials to send Las Vegas in to a tizzy.

Levi is still reeling from trying to figure out who the Seven of Spades killer is, but so happy that he and Dominic are back together. Dominic is still struggling with his addiction to gambling, but he's getting stronger every day. Showing his weakness (or his perceived weakness) to Levi is difficult for Dominic.

When a white supremacist group starts targeting Las Vegas, because Levi is a hated person by the group, it invites Seven of Spades right to their doorstep.

So, racing against the clock that belongs to bombs to blow up Las Vegas, Levi comes face-to-face with his taunter. It was a surprise and an amazing one at that. I did want something more from their interactions. Their interaction was less than what I was thinking it would be.

Anyway, the conclusion is well written and Levi and Dominic get to see whether or not they are strong enough to stand the test of time.


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆☆
In the fifth and final instalment of Cordelia Kingsbridge’s Seven of Spades series, Levi and Dominic have their relationship back on track but the hunt for the Seven of Spades continues.

I’ve had a prime suspect in mind since about book two. Early on in A Chip and a Chair, the characters discuss their top suspects and my suspect wasn’t on the list and the list included a person I hadn’t even considered. When the killer’s identity was eventually revealed I made such a loud exclamation of shock that my husband came in from the other room to see what was wrong. I’m happy to say my prime suspect was innocent and other theories I had were wrong. I loved that I was so surprised. It is great that after years of reading and watching crime shows and reading murder mysteries that I can still be shocked. It was thrilling.

But this story has more going on than our serial killer. Neo-Nazi group Utopia are causing havoc in Vegas and between them and the Seven of Spades, this story is full of tension, action and excitement. I was on the edge of my seat and I was repeatedly shocked by revelations and events.

A Chip and a Chair is a sensational book and a perfect ending to the Seven of Spades series. It was even better than I imaged it would be. This is one of the best series I've ever read and I know it is one I’ll re-read again and again.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
It’s over! This is the long-awaited finale to the Seven of Spades books and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. After four books, I was no closer to guessing the identity of the Seven of Spades than I was at the start of book one.

It’s difficult to comment more on this story without revealing any spoilers. The pace of this last book is frantic. At the start of the book, the city of Las Vegas is caught between escalating violence from a white supremacist group and the Seven of Spades’ twisted vigilante justice. There were a few moments where I wanted roll my eyes at some of the extreme terrorism but when I readjusted my perspective and considered some of the recent events in the US, the scenarios didn’t seem quite as unlikely.

The identity of the Seven of Spades is revealed halfway through the book and I have to admit I had a complete WTF moment where my brain scrambled to catch up. Without spoilers, the big reveal works, and I love that circumstances force Levi and Dominic to work with the Seven of Spades for the rest of the book.

The last half of the book is wonderfully twisted. Morality blurs into shades of grey as Levi, Dominic, and their allies race against the clock to save their city. They need the Seven of Spades and Levi finds his personal moral code seriously compromised at times. This is an exciting read and it’s a wonderfully satisfying conclusion to a fabulous series.

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Yet another series finale… *sigh* This falls into the extremely intense variety – which I’ve also experienced in the last few books I’ve read. I think it’s time for me to find something light and fun. Something where the characters aren’t fighting for their lives, or someone else’s, around every corner. This series is definitely not one of those… but I’ve loved every intense, nail biting, book throwing, tear and terror inducing moment of it. I’m sorry to say goodbye to the Seven of Spades, but A Chip and a Chair was an amazing and mostly surprising ending to a series I didn’t know what to expect from, but I’m really glad I picked up.

I had my theories (like most readers) about who the Seven of Spades was going to turn out to be. Turns out I was totally clueless, until this book. I had my suspicions, some of the same ones that Levi and Dom did, but … yeah, I’m not giving it away. I caught on just a little bit before they did, but not much.

As for the rest of the book? I loved the relationship between Levi and Dom, mostly because of how “not easy” it was. May sound ridiculous, but no relationship is perfect and neither are the people going through it. Both Levi and Dom had issues – pretty big issues – but that’s kind of what made them perfect for each other. The supporting characters were great too… mostly because they didn’t offer just support, they pulled no punches when it came to either Levi or Dom when they thought they needed some sense knocked into them. Although this is true throughout most of the series, A Chip and a Chair solidified it.

Was A Chip and a Chair a bit over the top? Of course it was. There was a lot going on and most of it was pretty unrealistic, but that’s kind of what I love about reading books like this. The intensity, danger, craziness… all of it made Levi and Dom’s HEA all the more deserving. Seven of Spades is my first series by Cordelia Kingsbridge, but I’m most definitely going to be on the lookout for more by this author. I’m pretty sure that this one will also be added to my re-read list. 😉

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Okay, color me surprised. I really didn't have a clue about the Seven of Spade's identity and I find it amazing that once it is all laid out there, the motive and the means all fit and it seems so logical. Yet, wow. And I'd just like to say again ... WOW.

It took me a while to get back into the swing of this story but I think the author does a stellar job of getting everyone back up-to-speed on this twisted tale of murder and mayhem. The final extended fight scenes are tightly choreographed, giving the reader a very clear picture of some intense graphic events. And the ending? Christ, it was sappy, sexy, sweet and just about perfect.

I never like to say much about the actual plot elements here because I think most of the fun of reading this series is just being blown away by what's going on. I loved just about everything here - the intense well-structured plot, the oh-my-gawd romance and relationship between Levi and Dominic, the highs and lows of their relationship and the way they are so perfect for one another, the way this convoluted story grabs a hold of you and keeps you on the edge of your chair the entire time, and then an ending that is immensely satisfying. 5 stars for "A Chip and a Chair" and this entire series.

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I'll start off with the declaration that I'm a numpty...for not realizing this was book #5 in the series! Maybe I should have known? The publisher and other sites have this as Seven of Spades #5 but I signed up to read/review this book via NetGalley (thanks for the ARC), which didn't make it obviously and abundantly clear (i.e. a big, bold sign that says 'if you haven't read the previous books, perhaps you aren't the person who should sign up for a copy, eh?")

Alas.

The author did a good job in summarizing the current state in such a way that someone like me could pick up the book and have a good idea of what was happening with both the Seven of Spades murder plot and the romantic development of the two intrepid heroes.

Nice to see an m/m (or f/f or any queer identification or romantic relationship) have equal parts mystery and romance. This took the case fiction seriously--more than the Roux/Urban or Mary Calmes series--and certainly more than Nancy Clue, whose Case of the Not-so-nice Nurse isn't brought up enough, in my opinion. However, what it had in genre and plot development lacked in style.

My objection (though this is likely too strong a word) can be seen in this quote roughly 15% of the way into the book:

"They took separate cars to Dominic's childhood home, as they were headed for different destinations after brunch" -- where (no spoiler) Levi is going to consume comfort food and excellent wine before meeting his colleague to train. As in physical training. As in super tough, kick-ass, you-are-going-to-vomit-up-your-brunch-Levi sort of early afternoon.

What's wrong with that, you ask? Let me count the ways...

a. This sort of detail lent nothing to the story. There are countless details like this that COULD lend some tension to the story (Did Dom notice Levi veering? Was Dom uncomfortable about driving separately because he had to let Levi go unsupervised or did he implicitly trust the badassery that was his personal and professional partner? Did either use the opportunity to ensure no one's brake lines were cut in the creation of this scene?)

b. So many odd juxtapositions like brunch-physical training that was at odds to the character indulging. I mean Levi (anger management issues + tends to get so absorbed in his work he often doesn't eat) goes for grease and booze before a workout? There may or may not have been something that happened because of this but at the moment of reading, my suspension of disbelief--which, by the way, is LEGENDARY--at the moment of reading this line faltered.

So, I've counted and there are....two ways. I might come up with more but at the moment, I can count two. Which isn't so bad but this tracks all the way through the book.

Ultimately, it was an enjoyable read. Nice diversity with characters. Felt the love between the heroes. I felt pretty clued in even though I started way at the end. I liked it but not enough go back and read the rest of the series.

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It was about a month ago that I binge read the first four books in the Seven of Spades series. This is such an amazing series. It’s full of mystery, suspense, friendship, and yes, romance. Having read and loved the first four books, I was so happy that I didn’t have to wait long for the fifth book, A Chip and a Chair, and thanks to Netgalley, I even got a copy to review! This no way influences my opinion though – I truly love these books and I thought A Chip and a Chair was a great ending, though I’m still sad that it’s over.

To give you a run down on the series – it’s about Detective Levi Abrams and ex-Bounty Hunter/Private Investigator, Dominic Russo. These two meet and eventually fall in love, but it’s not easy – not in their relationship and not in the events surrounding them. Las Vegas has become the target of a fearsome serial killer known as the Seven of Spades. They seem to only kill people who they believe have gotten away with a crime and need to be punished. A vigilante killer, if you will.

Obviously, Levi and his team are on the case – but as the books go on, the killer becomes more and more attached to Levi, causing a lot of mayhem in his life. These books are full of violence, but I never felt like the descriptions went too far. It was just enough to understand what’s happening and to feel the horror. I loved the mystery of these books. The Seven of Spades is revealed in the final book, and I was shocked. I seriously had no inclination this person was the Seven of Spades, and I imagine many others will be surprised too.

Along with the mystery and suspense, I just really loved the characters. Neither Levi or Dominic are perfect. Levi battles with his anger and slight love of violence, and Dominic is a gambling addict. There are issues they must face together, and apart, and they aren’t always the best to each other. However, it’s obvious there is true love there, and that they would do anything for each other. Honestly, I think I’m going to miss their dynamic most of all – can we get some more mysteries with Levi and Dominic? I’d snatch those up quick!

A Chip and a Chair was a wonderful finale (totally five star worthy), and I’m so glad I was given the chance to read and review it, though it’s out now so you can’t start your own binge read of the series! I read all of these books in an e-format, but it’s a series that I would just LOVE to own as physical copies so I can put them on my shelves and hopefully re-read again in the future. I might need to get started on buying those.

So tell me: have you read any of these books? Are you going to go grab the first book, Kill Game, now? *whisper* the answer is yes!!

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One of my favorite things ON EARTH is discovering a series - late - that totally sucks me in. I can binge every book knowing I won't have to wait for new books. Although the book/series hangover is brutal. The Seven of Spades was the latest series to rock my world and although I did love this last book, it didn't end up being my favorite in the series. But I digress - because it is excellent.

I, like many of the reviews I read, guessed who the villain was early in the series - but I loved the red herrings the author throws up in this last novel (I was very tempted to fall for her tricks) and the big reveal was supremely well done. Levi struggled to adjust to the reality of the SoS's identity & although in the context of THIS story the scene is almost ordinary - the impact wasn't. It felt very organic to the twists and turns of his journey to the the truth, and in keeping with the nature of this killer.

A Chip and a Chair moves at a fast clip, but as usual, the best parts included Dominic and Levi working together to nab the bad guys. I loved their emotional and physical closeness and although I usually lament the lack of romantic one-on-one scenes, the ones that make this book are sexy as hell and totally satisfying. I sighed with happiness every time these two softened up with looks and touches and expressions of their love for each other. I was happy to see these two finally get their hard earned HEA, and relieved Dominic was finally getting his life back on track and fighting his gambling addiction - relying on Levi to help him through each and every crisis. I believed in them.

The Seven of Spades series is romantic, sexy and exciting and took me from the highest highs to the lowest lows. The writing is strong, the stories are addictive and totally engaging - it's impossible to start this series and then walk away from it - and the hard fought HEA at the end of A Chip and a Chair is brilliant and romantic and sexy and perfect...and gah, it's all so excellent and great.

I can't wait to see what Ms. Kingsbridge writes next.

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It’s been quite a while since the last Seven of Spades story, but I can happily say that the wait was very much worthwhile. Dominic and Levi have been through an awful lot at this point, but I was still glad that the author didn’t let them off the hook in A Chip and a Chair.

With so many twists and turns, I strongly recommend reading this series from the beginning. There’s simply too much going on to try and jump in for the endgame. Even though the author does an admirable job of tying things together without making the act seem overly manufactured, I wish I’d been able to go back through the previous stories before starting A Chip and a Chair. Still, I think doing a complete reread will be highly enjoyable, and I’m looking forward to seeing all the clues and details light up the second time around.

One of the things I’ve always enjoyed about this series is the moral ambiguity/dilemma the author bats around, and A Chip and a Chair brings the characters’ varying perspectives of the dichotomy to the forefront. As is true in real life, the line between murderer and martyr is defined by the many differing facets of public perception. In the case of this story, the “vigilante” part of the justice being sought becomes parenthetical, and the contrasting personalities of the characters who ultimately bear responsibility negate any denial of the importance of what we think, but would never say out loud.

As turbulent as the Seven of Spades series has always been, A Chip and a Chair pushes that definition beyond anything I had expected. At just past the two-thirds mark, we’re treated to the big reveal—and “like the free-fall of a rollercoaster,” the remainder of the narrative shifts to an entirely different sort of bedlam. From this point forward, the story is a mix of a lot of wrong things gone right, and I couldn’t help but find some aspects of it disturbingly fun. The author seems to gleefully shove both readers and characters along the rest of the ride. And what a ride it is.

In lieu of some painkillers and a glass of water, the author brings the series to a close with an ending that’s pretty near to perfect. Exhausted of the manic bursts of determination and bewilderment, and tempered by various shades of grief, A Chip and a Chair concludes with something almost ridiculously lovely and sweet. And despite my usual aversion to confetti-tossed endings, I really wanted Levi and Dominic to have this. On the whole, this story more than met my expectations, making the Seven of Spades series one I’ll enjoy again very soon.

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This was a great ending to the series and both Levi and Dominic are fantastic characters. Did I always love them - absolutely not. They made mistakes and they faults and issues that they didn't like to admit they needed help for but they grew throughout the series and I LOVED where they ended up at the end of this book. Was it a bit over the top at parts - yes it was but I still enjoyed it all.

I didn't figure out who the Seven of Spades was and when they were revealed I was surprised but I also thought it made sense. I couldn't put this book down and this is definitely a series I will re-read again. This left me with a big smile and I was satisfied with the ending.

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A chip and a chair is the conclusion to the seven of spades series and wow oh wow what a finale it is.
Levi and Dominic are now reunited, Dominic still has to fight his gambling addiction but now that he and Levi are living together there is no better support than they have for each other.
The Seven of Spades is still at the forefront of their investigations particularly after a mass grave is found in the desert and forensic investigation show they are early victims of the serial killer, there is much hope that Levi will finally have a breakthrough to uncovering who he/she or they are.
Added to this are a neo nazi group known as Utopia who are hell bent on causing as much destruction and chaos as possible, starting by planting a bomb on the Vegas strip that kills many people.
We are taken on a rollercoaster of a ride whilst Levi and Dominic have a race against time to prevent further losses. The action never ceases and when the Seven of Spades is/are revealed it is an absolutely draw dropping moment not just for Levi but for every reader out there.
A brilliant book which never lets up the pace, enthralling, exciting and the perfect ending.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly, and the author....👏👏👏👏👏

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This series has been a wild ride and the finale is utterly spectacular! Everything feels nicely concluded and I love that after all the pain and heartache Levi and Dom have had to endure over the last year or so ended on such a sweet, domestic note.

This book takes place about a month after <u>One Eyed Royals</u> and while the Seven of Spades has been quiet, Utopia, the neo-nazi terrorist group, has been causing many issues for the LVMPD, and especially Levi. Utopia starts causing wide-spread panic and mayhem to the point parts of the city have to be evacuated, and they call-out the Seven of Spades for the blows they’ve dealt Utopia’s people in the past - but Utopia crosses the line when they hurt and kidnap Levi.

This book was an excellent conclusion and part of me cannot believe it’s over. And the revelation of who the SOS was?? My goodness!!!! I feel like I suspected them early on, but not most recently and the backstory, just, woah! What an excellent mystery this has been and the intensity of the mystery!

I especially loved seeing how well Dom and Levi have been doing. They’re both working on their individual issues with gambling and anger, respectively, but I love the way they support one another and work to lift the other up. They’ve had to work so hard and been hurt so much, so seeing their relationship finally in a good, healthy place was just so lovely. And that final chapter was so soft and a perfect conclusion to all the things they’ve been through.

If you enjoy romantic suspense and intense murder mysteries, I highly recommend reading the Seven of Spades series. Because that ending? Totally worth all the pain we have to go through to get there!

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